Dark gums causes and evaluation
Dark gum tissue can be a normal melanin pattern or a sign of irritation, medication effect, inflammation, or a lesion that needs examination.
The short answer
Dark gums are not one diagnosis. Healthy gingiva may contain more melanin, while new or uneven pigmentation can follow irritation, smoking, medication exposure, inflammation, or a pigmented oral lesion.
How does melanin affect the colour of healthy gums?
Gum color comes from melanin in the epithelial layer, with blood supply and thickness affecting its appearance. A clinician considers whether the change is flat or raised, uniform or irregular, and stable or progressive.
What should you record when your gum colour changes?
Take clear photographs in consistent lighting and note when the change began, any new medicine, tobacco exposure, bleeding, pain, or trauma. Do not scrub or use bleaching products on the gums.
When should a dark area on the gums be examined?
Arrange an examination for a new, enlarging, irregular, bleeding, ulcerated, or one-sided dark area. The dentist may inspect the mouth, review medicines and habits, photograph the site, and refer for biopsy when indicated.
What should you ask about changing gum pigmentation?
Ask whether the pattern looks physiologic or acquired, what changes should be monitored, and whether periodontal treatment, medication review, or specialist assessment is appropriate.
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Who wrote this page
This library is published by Dental Nation, a licensed dental group practising in the United Arab Emirates. Pages are written and overseen by the same clinical team that treats patients in our clinics, and are held to a fixed editorial standard for safety and accuracy.
This page is patient education, not medical advice, and cannot replace an examination. Anything urgent — facial swelling, trauma, uncontrolled bleeding or severe pain — needs a dentist or emergency care now.